5 Great Day Hikes on Oahu

A fan of the Exploration: Hawaii Facebook page recently asked for day hike suggestions for an upcoming trip to Oahu. I gave the question some thought and came up with what I think are five exemplary hikes. Each of the suggested trails offer very unique and differing views of the island. One could easily spend 8 hours or more on each of these hikes (with the exception of Kahekili-Manamana). Each hike also comes with its own set of dangers and can be very taxing for even the most veteran of hikers, especially those who are not familiar with Hawaii’s volcanic and often times crumbly terrain.

With that said, here are 5 great day hikes on Oahu. Below each description, I provide estimates for time and distance, a few tips, and trailhead directions. Each of these hikes were also previously mentioned in depth here and I have provided links to those posts as well. Have a suggestion for a great day hike? Leave it in the comments!

The Poamoho Ridge Trail is a fine hike and would probably be my first suggestion as a recommended day hike. The trail itself is roughly 7 miles roundtrip. However, a lengthy 6 miles drive down an unpaved access road makes accessing the trailhead long and difficult. And if you’re vehicle isn’t able to make it through the rough drive, then you might be in for a much longer day than expected. A cabin just beyond the summit makes for the perfect turn around point. Some might also decided to stay the night in the Poamoho cabin.

For this day adventure, you’ll start near the Makapuu Lighthouse and work your way along the Koolau Summit Trail, going as far as your legs will take you. It is entirely possible to go from Makapuu to Wiliwilinui, passing the summits of Kamiloiki, Mariner’s Ridge, Kuliouou, Kulepeamoa, and Hawaii Loa Ridge. If do decide to go all the way then be prepared to start in the dark and end in the dark. A plus about starting in the dark is that you will be able to catch an awesome sunrise.

Sunrise over Sea Life Park. Photo by Marvin Chandra.

Kamiloiki. Photo by Marvin Chandra.

Pu’u ‘o Kona and Bear Claw summit. Photo by Marvin Chandra.

Type: Ridge

Total Distance: Varies, depends on how far you decide to go.

Total Time: Varies, depends on how far you decide to go.

Eastern KST Tips:

Bring enough water for a full day of hiking.

Know your bailout points. If Wiliwilinui is your final destination, then be sure to know the junctions that come before it so that you can bail if something goes wrong (not enough water, too tired, etc.).

The old saying is that The Bowman Trail doesn’t build character, Bowman reveals it. This long and arduous trail starts off in the playground of an unassuming elementary school where you will start climbing up the side of a mountain which will lead you to the trailhead. The reward after 8+ hours of hiking will be a stunning view of the windward coast. You’ll also be on top of one of the most coveted island hiking spots, Haiku Stairs (Stairway to Heaven).

Hanging out on a cliff just before the deadly rope climb to the summit of the Bowman Trail. Photo by Ahnate Lim.

View from the summit of the Bowman Trail. Photo by Marvin Chandra.

Making our way on the ridge (Bowman Terminus Trail). When you click on the larger version you can see Coty, Joel, and Ahnate to the right. Photo by Marvin Chandra.

Stuart Ball calls it one of the most difficult hikes on the island. Many have said that it offers some of the most spectacular hiking views that Oahu has to offer. Yes, both accounts are true. The Kahekili-Manamana trail offers some of the best views that can be had on Oahu, if you’re willing, that is, to put up with the very narrow ridges and steep climbs.

Amazing coastal views. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

You’ll be on edge the entire hike. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Sweeping views. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

You’ll work your way down this narrow ridge. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Success. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Total Distance: 3.8 miles

Total Time: 5+ hours

Kahekili-Manamana Trail Tips:

Sunscreen is a must. A large portion of this trail is exposed.

This trail is not for the faint of heart. There are parts of the trail in which you will be exposed to huge drop off to both your right and left.

Spend the day exploring my favorite place on Oahu, Manoa Valley. Tucked away in this tight valley are seven known waterfalls. Aihualama Falls and Manoa Falls are two that are regularly visited by tourists and locals alike. The other five waterfalls, well, are a bit off the beaten path. You’ll do a lot of stream crossings so be prepared to get wet on this all day hike.

The group checking out Waihi Falls, or what we later learned was officially called Kahuwaiiki Falls. Photo by Coty Gonzales.